Uptown
Ranked 14th best neighborhood in Chicago
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Great for
- Nightlife
- Public Transport
- Eating Out
- Neighborly Spirit
- Shopping Options
Not great for
- Medical Facilities
- Pest Free
- Schools
- Childcare
- Clean & Green
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Trendy & Stylish
- Retirees
Got a burning question? Why not ask the locals! Simply ask your question below
Reviews
Uptown
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"A diverse neighborhood with a little bit of everything and a lot of music"
Uptown is a very diverse neighborhood with several sub-neighborhoods with their own flavor. Take some time to explore different areas like Margate Park, Buena Park and Little Vietnam. Along with diverse neighbors you will find diverse restaurants like Demera (Etheopian), Bar on Buena (Pub Fare), Tank Noodle (Vietnamese), Furama (Dim Sum) and Magnolia Cafe (American Bistro). But Uptown may be best known for the music venues. A Chicago must visit is the world class jazz club, Green Mill Cocktail Lounge. Fare warning, DO NOT talk during the live music. Close by are two large venues Aragon Ballroom and Riviera Theatre.
The Red Line and Express Bus service to downtown make this a good neighborhood for commuters. The Montrose Harbor and Montrose Beach make lake and park access easy.
The Red Line and Express Bus service to downtown make this a good neighborhood for commuters. The Montrose Harbor and Montrose Beach make lake and park access easy.
Pros
- Diverse Restaurants
- Great Beach/Park Access
- diverse population
- Great for music lovers
Cons
- Loud
Uptown
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
"Historic neighborhoods / Music Mecca -- Chicago's Unappreciated Neighborhood"
From Buena Park, Sheridan Park, East Ravenswood and Hutchinson Historic Districts to the "Theater Corner" (Aragon, Riviera, Green Mill), this neighborhood has lots to offer. It hasn't hit its peak -- watch as the Lawrence Ave/Broadway corridor becomes Chicago's center for music and entertainment--aficionados already travel to the famous Green Mill Tavern, where Al Capone & Frank Sinatra performed and Untouchables/High Fidelity were filmed. Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, and Tom Mix were at Essanay Studios where they filmed the first moving pictures in America. Chicago's finest architects designed mansions for Hutchinson Street - right off Lake Shore Drive. Recent Lawrence Ave renovations (including best Metra stop) make this a 15 minute commute to the loop by train. And, the housing prices are reasonable!
Pros
- Historic Neighborhoods
- Great housing value
- diverse population
- Great for music lovers
Uptown
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Shopping Options
- Parking
- Public Transport
"Uptown - Diversity at its Best"
Uptown is THE most diverse neighborhood in all of Chicago. It’s actually a fact – a study was done a few years ago. Every race and ethnicity can be found there. It’s one of my favorite neighborhoods for that reason. It’s safe, although there is a large problem with crime in parts of the neighborhood – there’s a lot of gang and drug activity going on, but it’s easily avoided. It’s not ritzy or touristy..?
There’s definitely been some new development going on in Uptown, some good, some bad. Businesses have been opening up again, but newer residents have been clashing with older ones (this happens with gentrification – see my post on West Town).
First, there’s Argyle Street. This small strip is filled with Vietnamese restaurants and shops. Stop by for delicious pho and other treats.
There’s plenty in the way of music in Uptown. The mayor wants to make the neighborhood Chicago’s new “entertainment district,” whatever that means. In the meantime, there’s the Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theater. There’s also the Green Mill, a jazz staple and former hangout of Al Capone. There are escape tunnels and everything. This is a GREAT spot to spend a night. The Uptown Theater is a gorgeous old building that’s been closed forever, but pictures of the inside are amazing. They’re supposed to be fixing it up and reopening soon.
There’s not a ton of shopping, but there are local businesses that have been around a while. My favorite is Shake, Rattle and Read, an awesome book & record store.
The bars are friendly and laid-back. Carol’s Pub and the Holiday Club are two good ones.
There’s definitely been some new development going on in Uptown, some good, some bad. Businesses have been opening up again, but newer residents have been clashing with older ones (this happens with gentrification – see my post on West Town).
First, there’s Argyle Street. This small strip is filled with Vietnamese restaurants and shops. Stop by for delicious pho and other treats.
There’s plenty in the way of music in Uptown. The mayor wants to make the neighborhood Chicago’s new “entertainment district,” whatever that means. In the meantime, there’s the Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theater. There’s also the Green Mill, a jazz staple and former hangout of Al Capone. There are escape tunnels and everything. This is a GREAT spot to spend a night. The Uptown Theater is a gorgeous old building that’s been closed forever, but pictures of the inside are amazing. They’re supposed to be fixing it up and reopening soon.
There’s not a ton of shopping, but there are local businesses that have been around a while. My favorite is Shake, Rattle and Read, an awesome book & record store.
The bars are friendly and laid-back. Carol’s Pub and the Holiday Club are two good ones.
Pros
- diverse population
- lots
Recommended for
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Students
robertk7
You're right about everything about Uptown, except the Gang and Drug Activity, it's limited to certain section like Wilson/Racine to Montrose/Sheridan, it's not as bad as the Austin neighborhood or the Garfield Park neighborhood both on the West Side of Chicago, always something going on over down in those neighborhoods, especially by North Avenue and Central, Cicero and Madison, Chicago and Laramie, California and I-290, Pulaski and Jackson, Kedzie and Warren, & etc
2yrs+
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Uptown
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Uniquely diverse area"
Uptown is a popular North Side neighborhood in Chicago. The Uptown area contains such neighborhoods as Andersonville and Sheridan Park to name a few. Also the Uptown area is home to many immigrant neighborhoods such as Little Vietnam and New Chinatown. In fact, one of the more interesting facts about Uptown is that it is uniquely diverse by Chicago standards, as Chicago is, in generally, highly segregated along racial lines. Uptown, however, has people of various races and national backgrounds. This fact alone is enough to make a trip to Uptown and interesting one, as the area is full of a variety of different type of restaurants.
One fact that often surprises visitors is that Uptown is home to numerous nightclubs, as well as what has been coined the "Uptown Entertainment District." The Uptown Entertainment District is home to small music venues, bars, restaurants and some shops in addition to nightclubs. This is due in large part to the areas history as a Chicago area entertainment hotspot, as it is home to the famous Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theater among other venues.
Chicago is a very different city, and within Chicago, Uptown stands out for its diversity and other reasons. When in Chicago, make sure to check it out.
One fact that often surprises visitors is that Uptown is home to numerous nightclubs, as well as what has been coined the "Uptown Entertainment District." The Uptown Entertainment District is home to small music venues, bars, restaurants and some shops in addition to nightclubs. This is due in large part to the areas history as a Chicago area entertainment hotspot, as it is home to the famous Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theater among other venues.
Chicago is a very different city, and within Chicago, Uptown stands out for its diversity and other reasons. When in Chicago, make sure to check it out.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Trendy & Stylish
Uptown
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Peace & Quiet
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
"Music and Much More"
Home to many of Chicago’s most renowned and historic entertainment venues, Uptown is an exciting and vibrant area. Its location on the city’s North Side makes Uptown convenient to suburbs as well as the downtown area. Bound by Lake Michigan to the east, Edgewater to the north, Lincoln Square to the west, and Lakeview to the south, this popular neighborhood is great for visitors and residents alike.
Music lovers will find much to explore in this culturally rich neighborhood. The Green Mill, which is one of the most popular Jazz clubs in the city, is found here. Once the hangout of many notorious people, the Green Mill has a lengthy history and is still a popular haunt for locals today. Other entertainment hot spots in the Uptown neighborhood include the Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theater, both of which are popular music venues. The Aragon has hosted such greats as U2, the Grateful Dead, and B.B. King.
If you want to enjoy the lake, you’ll find Montrose Beach within the
Music lovers will find much to explore in this culturally rich neighborhood. The Green Mill, which is one of the most popular Jazz clubs in the city, is found here. Once the hangout of many notorious people, the Green Mill has a lengthy history and is still a popular haunt for locals today. Other entertainment hot spots in the Uptown neighborhood include the Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theater, both of which are popular music venues. The Aragon has hosted such greats as U2, the Grateful Dead, and B.B. King.
If you want to enjoy the lake, you’ll find Montrose Beach within the
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
Uptown
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
"Excellent and Extravagant"
Uptown Chicago is that of the other uptown areas in our country's Metropolitan cities. It's full of extravagant stores, restaurants, hotels, and activities. Nesteled right on Lake Michigan, Uptown Chicago holds some of the most sought after apartments and city-scaped condos.Due to the fact that this area and lifestyle is so fabulous, it does come with a hefty price tag. Unless you are able to maintain the upscale lifestyle and all that it entails, one might be better off visiting this city haven rather than living here.
Uptown
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Good entertainment"
The main thing that comes to mind when I think about Uptown is the Aragon Ballroom. It is a legendary venue that has hosted a number of great musical acts throughout the years. Definitely a tourist destination, but then so is the rest of Uptown, which is known for having had so many gangsters in the past.
Today, it's more of a tourist destination, and it's pretty safe. Police patrol the area fairly regularly, and I feel safe walking around here. The only problem times would come on nights with a big show and there are a lot of people walking around in too excited a mood. I wouldn't say you're unsafe at these times, but it's certainly something to keep in mind.
Overall, I don't know that I'd want to live here, as it seems noisy and there's too much in terms of visitors, but I would definitely continue to visit. It's a great place to have some fun.
Today, it's more of a tourist destination, and it's pretty safe. Police patrol the area fairly regularly, and I feel safe walking around here. The only problem times would come on nights with a big show and there are a lot of people walking around in too excited a mood. I wouldn't say you're unsafe at these times, but it's certainly something to keep in mind.
Overall, I don't know that I'd want to live here, as it seems noisy and there's too much in terms of visitors, but I would definitely continue to visit. It's a great place to have some fun.
Pros
- Great for music lovers
- Great atmosphere
- Fun place to be
Cons
- A bit touristy
- Loud
- Expensive
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
Uptown
"Music, Gangsters.... ohhhh my!"
Fun place. This area has been impacted by every major social change in the country.
Now it is a stop on Gangster tours of the city. Many locations are tied to infamous individuals including Al Capone.
In addition to that the Riviera theater is located there as well as the Aragon Ballroom- which many a-list groups have played at.
Now it is a stop on Gangster tours of the city. Many locations are tied to infamous individuals including Al Capone.
In addition to that the Riviera theater is located there as well as the Aragon Ballroom- which many a-list groups have played at.
Uptown
"Entertainment and More"
The Uptown area encompasses a set of several neighborhoods, but at it's core the Uptown area is an extremely popular tourist destination. It sits on the lake and is home to many summer time events. In addition to it's water space and summer, city events the area is home to a number of music venues and entertainment spots.
The Green Mile Jazz club, The Uptown Theater and several other concert and jazz arenas are located in the area. The overall feel is that of a large bustling city, however the Uptown area, as you get closer to the Lake offers up great residential streets for those who can afford the area. The homes are nicely sized and have a good amount of space for individuals looking to reside within the city.
The Green Mile Jazz club, The Uptown Theater and several other concert and jazz arenas are located in the area. The overall feel is that of a large bustling city, however the Uptown area, as you get closer to the Lake offers up great residential streets for those who can afford the area. The homes are nicely sized and have a good amount of space for individuals looking to reside within the city.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
